Streeterville News November 2018

VOL. 1 NO. 3

Got a story tip or question? Call (312) 690-3092

November 2018

A parade of Thanksgiving The history—and future—of an iconic event

Page 8 The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade provides a plethora of sights and sounds for the whole family. Courtesy photo

Reilly nixes Spire over community concerns

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A symbol of Chicago hidden in plain sight: The Municipal Device

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Mayor praises Chicago tech talent Page 3

Your guide to gifts in Streeterville Page 4 Aloft Hotel opens its doors Page 7 Where to volunteer during the holidays Page 9

Mark Cornelius follows family tradition

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How to Contact Us

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Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Elizabeth Czapski Angela Gagnon Taylor Hartz Stephanie Racine Jesse Wright Copy Editors: Ben Kowalski Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn Tom Conroy Eastside Enterprises LLC is the publisher of New Eastside News and Streeterville News. Eastside Enterprises has provided local community news to the Chicago area since 2012.

New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors.

The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Eastside Enterprises does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Eastside Enterprises is independently owned and operated.

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Corrections and Clarifications

In the October 2018 issue of Streeterville News, the doorperson of the month's name, Norvin Williams was misspelled as Norvan. We regret the error.

Index News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 News Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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| NEWS |

Innovation Awards highlight local tech talent

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer

Chicago Avenue bridge to undergo months of repair Staff reports

In October, Chicago Innovation recognized a host of Midwestern ideas at the 17th annual Innovation Awards.

Among the recipients, the Bra Lab won people’s choice for designing better brassieres, the Adler Planetarium won the collaboration award for their work with high school students and Ballot Ready won the Social Innovator award for their work on an elections app.

Besides the specialty awards, general Chicago Innovation Awards went to Abbott, Advanced Valve Technologies, Cameo, Ensono, Farmer’s Fridge, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Sterling, UPshow, Sittercity and Molex. Neighborhood awards went to Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, Aspire and Lakeview Pantry. Up and comer awards went to Catalytic, Codeverse, Esquify, ExerciseBuddy, GuardianVets, Jlobit, Parker Dewey, PanaceaNano, Truss and Unanimous AI. The event, at the Harris Theater in the

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Chicago is poised to become a leading tech city if it can nurture its homegrown talent. Photo by Jesse Wright

New Eastside, was a chance to celebrate some of the people behind innovative ideas and inventive companies.

The evening was kicked off by Mayor Rahm Emanuel who praised the city as an up and comer for technology firms.

“We have more women innovators than any other city,” Emanuel said. “But that’s only the beginning of where we need to go.”

The mayor explained that Chicago businesses should recruit young talent from the city’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) schools programs in order to encourage kids and to keep talent local.

“If we do that, then to Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo and London I have one word, watch out. Chicago is coming for you,” Emanuel said.

The Chicago Avenue Bridge over the north branch of the Chicago River will close on Nov. 1 and part of the street will undergo repairs for months.

The old bridge, built in 1914, will be replaced with a new bridge that will be better able to suit pedestrian, vehicle and bike traffic.

The project will require Chicago Avenue to close between Larrabee and Halsted Streets. The entire project is expected to last five months but the roadway on Chicago Avenue is expected to reopen by the end of 2018.

Marked detours will direct bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists to new routes.

A temporary shared bus-bike lane will be installed on Halted Street between Chicago Avenue on Division Street to maintain effective service of the CTA bus route 66.

The final phase of the project will involve installing new lighting on the road.

Reilly updates Streeterville on neighborhood development

By Elizabeth Czapski Staff Writer Alderman Brendan Reilly offered updates at an Oct. 24 meeting, on various projects he's been involved with over the past year in Streeterville.

Heather Gleason, director of planning and development for the Chicago Park District, Navy Pier’s chief operating officer Brian Murphy, Malihe Samadi, coordinating engineer for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Commander Daniel O’Shea of the Chicago Police Department also attended the meeting as panelists.

The alderman then reviewed issues he has worked on including raising fines for double-parking, adjusting policies around use of sirens

REILLY UPDATES l New red light camera at Michigan Ave. and Ontario St. Police engagement of suspicious people increased l

Navy Pier Flyover bridge will be finished this year. Ramp will be installed to connect the lower level Lake Shore Drive path l

on emergency vehicles, liquor-related problems, traffic improvements such as a new red light camera at Michigan and Ontario and development of the Spire site at 400 Lake Shore Drive. The alderman rejected the proposal for the site, citing resident concerns. He said he hopes the developer, Related Midwest, will make changes to the proposal.

Tribune Tower development has

fewer objections than the Spire site, but there are still “critical” issues that need to be addressed, he said.

Reilly stressed the importance of supporting downtown Chicago.

“This ward pays the bills. This ward is nearly two-thirds of the city’s economy. So if it becomes unaffordable to be here and unsafe to be here—and tourists stop wanting to be here—everyone in the city is going to suffer, not just downtown,” he said, adding that the downtown area has seen “unprecedented growth” in recent years.

Public safety issues were discussed with Commander O’Shea, and Reilly added that lighting and security camera improvements have been made in the community or are in the works. O’Shea said that investigative stop reports, traffic

stops, municipal tickets, vehicle impounds, guns confiscated and arrests with guns are all up, proving that the police continue to engage with suspicious people.

O’Shea said if people see something suspicious, they should call 911, even if it is no big deal.

Next, a resident asked about plans to develop parks. Reilly and Gleason from the park district said Ogden Plaza Park development has run into some legal issues regarding replacing the membrane between the ground and the parking garage underneath the park.

Reilly said Olive Park is a Department of Water Management asset and there are homeland security concerns surrounding the park because of its proximity to a water treatment plant.

One Bennett Park, he said, is “nearing completion.” Residents asked about spaces for dogs, and Reilly said there will be two dog runs in Bennett Park. Additionally, DuSable Park could be a candidate for a dog run and dog park.

The alderman also discussed the traffic management plan for Streeterville, the introduction of new pedestrian countdown crosswalk signals and other pedestrian safety improvements.

Alderman Reilly and Samadi, the engineer from CDOT, said the first two phases of the Navy Pier Flyover bridge will be finished this year and a temporary ramp will be installed to connect the phases to the existing lower level Lake Shore Drive path.

The full Flyover is expected to be done by the end of 2019, Reilly said.

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| FEATURES |

Shop Streeterville, get gifts close to home

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer Streeterville is home to the Mag Mile and a slew of name-brand national retailers in addition to some local hidden gems. Why not shop at both? You're sure to find something for everyone at one of these three stores.

Kriser’s Natural Pet

Although several shoe stores line State Street, each store manages to succeed. Photo by Elizabeth Czapski

State Street is shoe street for footwear fans

By Elizabeth Czapski Staff Writer If shoes are on the shopping list, there’s only one place to go—State Street. With 11 shoe stores in just four blocks, State Street from Washington to Jackson might as well be called Shoe Street.

The stores—Payless ShoeSource, Designer Shoe Warehouse, Footaction, Champs Sports, Crocs, Sketcher’s, Aldo, AKIRA, Journeys, Kids Foot Locker and House of Hoops—line either side of State Street and all compete for customers.

This arrangement is a win for the stores and shoppers.

Benoy Grantham, a sales lead at Aldo, 107 S. State St., said a lot of tourists shop at his store, but he also gets many repeat customers. The large number of shoe stores ultimately doesn’t bother him. “When I first started working here, I didn’t like the fact that they have all these shoe stores right next to each other, cause then it also takes away from our sales,” Grantham said. “But at the same

time, like it just depends who’s the better salesman, who’s the better service and the better quality. I think Aldo doesn’t lack in quality.”

Grantham said he doesn't consider the other stores as competition because Aldo is unique.

“I don’t really see Sketchers, Crocs, I don’t see them as competition cause I know what we sell here you can't really get anywhere else, like the quality, the customer service, like it’s a whole package here,” he said. “We don’t really worry about these other shoe stores because we all sell the same thing but we sell better.”

Linda Castellanos-Yanez, an employee at Sketchers, 112 S. State St., said she first noticed all the shoe stores on State Street when Champs Sports opened nearby. “I think it makes it harder maybe just for Sketchers because there’s like Adidas, Nike, Reebok and everything else that they sell at Champs and Footlocker, so it makes it harder here, but they try to compete with the same prices and styles of shoes,” she said.

Kriser’s Natural Pet store, 356 E. Ohio St., is a national brand that started right here in Chicago. Be sure to support this success story for all your pet presents.

This year’s hot ticket items include HuggleHounds holiday pet toys retailing for around $15. If you’re a more practical pet parent who want to keep your dog warm, try a coat from Canada Pooch. Prices vary depending on size and style. Of course, you’ll want a dog coat with some matching boots. This season Pawz rubber boots are the way to go, with most boots costing around $15.

Kriser’s Natural Pet store is open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. most days. For more information, call (312) 951-1331.

Sephora

For the finicky and fabulous person on your list, check out Sephora, a high-end beauty store with a variety of makeup and skin products. This year, the store offers two new products that are flying off shelves.

First, customers are going crazy over the Charlotte Tilbury Stars in Your Eyes Palette. This is a limited-edition eye shadow palette retailing for around $75.

The next big thing this season is the Pat McGrath Labs’ Mothership V Eye Palette. Pat McGrath Labs made news this year when its value soared north of $1 billion, and it’s easy to see why with this flashy, tasteful offering, retailing at $125. There are two Sephora locations in Streeterville, 605 N. Michigan Ave. and Water Tower Place at 845 N. Michigan.

HuggleHounds offers a variety of dog chew toys, including this kitty. HuggleHound toys are among the items found at Kriser’s Natural Pet. Photo courtesy of HuggleHounds

The 605 N. Michigan Ave. location will not have special hours for Black Friday, but it will offer specialty miniature sets for sale for a limited time that day. The store is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call (312) 649-9343.

The Cubs Team Store

The Cubs Team Store, 668. N. Michigan Ave., is the go-to place for all your Cubs fans—for men, women, boys and girls, they have something for everyone. Jerseys are always popular, and this season the top jerseys to buy include the Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo jerseys.

The jerseys retail for $135 each.

Looking for something for the little ones? The Cubs Team Store is now offering small Oyo Sports minifigures and buildables (think Legos) for $15 and TY-brand Cubs dolls for $10—perfect for stocking stuffers.

Last year, the store opened early for Black Friday, though no announcement for this year has been made as of press deadline. The store is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call (312) 280-5469.

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Disability Summit focuses on benefits from disabled workers

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer Business leaders from across the city met in October for the fourth annual Disability Inclusion Opportunity Summit, a daylong meeting of breakout panels and discussions on how to better include disabled workers into the workplace.

The Chicagoland Business Leadership Network and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce presented the summit, at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, 300 E. Randolph St., bringing together hiring professionals to discuss things like mental health in the workplace, online accessibility and best practices for disability recruitment.

Rob Hitchcock, the president of government and consumer solutions for the Health Care Service

Corporation welcomed attendees and said there are ample opportunities for disabled workers.

“We’re struggling to fill open positions,” Hitchcock said. “We view this as a wonderful opportunity to recruit and get talent into our organizations, and I know many of you feel the same way.”

The summit did more than focus on employers and their needs. At one point, the conversation turned to the disabled employees themselves.

“We’re going to talk about the power of owning your identity and the power of the beauty that exists within us.” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability: IN. “One in five of us have a disability.

And it’s cool.”

Houghton said disabilities have workarounds and disabled people don’t need to be labeled as different-

Reilly nixes Spire for now over community concerns

ly abled or special because there is nothing wrong with being disabled.

Suhail Tariq, one of the panelists, echoed this sentiment with his own experiences at work. He said he can compete with coworkers who are not disabled because he is willing to work hard.

“I am no different than any of you guys,” Tariq said. “We’re no different than anyone else. It’s just hard work.

I like my mantra to my executive committee, which is, ‘You may go through a certain way get to the end goal, but I’ll get to the end goal too, the way I am comfortable doing it, and if I need any help because of my disability, then I will raise my hand.’”

Panelist Ben Lumicao, an attorney for Allstate, said open dialog about abilities is welcome because the days of ignoring a disability are over— and that’s a good thing.

Staff reports After months of speculation, Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly rejected the 400 N. Lake Shore Drive development, also known as the former Spire Site.

In late October, Reilly announced that he would reject the proposal after the developers failed to consider any community concerns. This is a setback for a development that has been in the works for over a decade, but it does not mean the project is dead.

“As you know, I joined with SOAR to host a community meeting on May 15 to review the developer's proposal,” Reilly wrote in an email to constituents.

“The meeting was very well attended and we received a tremendous amount of community feedback. My staff catalogued all of the community input from that meeting and we created a list of priority issues that needed to be addressed during my negotiation process with the developer.”

Reilly said he sent the developer a “detailed memo” in August enumerating community concerns, and that their reply did not address any of those issues.

“Unfortunately, several weeks later, Related Midwest provided me with a response that did not adequately address any of the major concerns about their proposal,” he wrote.

Out and About

Here’s what happened in your neighborhood in October.

Photos by Jesse Wright

Dr. Valerie Mayuga and Taylor Temple enjoy drinks at SOAR's monthly Young Professionals Networking Night.

Aaron Wilson and Katie Conway attend the Chicago Architecture Foundation's Open House Chicago.

James Chase and Lindsay Jeffcoat attend the weekly Streeterville Farmer's Market.

Lance Sanderson joins Matt Doubled ay at an after event following the Chicago Innovation Awards in the New Eastside.

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Hidden in plain sight: Chicago’s municipal device

By Elizabeth Czapski Staff Writer Go anywhere in the city and you’ll see the Chicago flag, instantly recognizable with its four red stars and blue stripes on a white field. It is familiar, it is iconic and it is everywhere.

But there’s another symbol of the city that is just as ubiquitous if less iconic: the municipal device.

What does it look like? According to Chicago’s municipal code, “The municipal device, for use by the varied unofficial interests of the city and its people, shall show a Y-shaped figure in a circle, colored and designed to suit individual tastes and needs.”

According to a story on the website Medium by Chicago reporter Robert Loerzel, a Danish architect named Alfred Jensen Roewad came up with the design in response to a Chicago Tribune contest in 1892.

The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition was coming up, and Chicago needed a municipal color or color combination to represent the city.

Roewad not only submitted colors (red and white) but also a Y-shaped

The municipal device can be found hidden in plain sight all over the city.

Photo by Elizabeth Czapski

symbol in reference to Wolf Point, where the north, south and main branches of the Chicago River meet.

In 1917, the city declared the design an official civic symbol.

Today, the municipal device can be found hidden in plain sight all over the city. It is up in lights on the Chicago Theatre’s marquee and it appears in a ceiling mosaic at City Hall, according to a Tribune article from

1999. It adorns schools, firehouses and bridges, and it’s on the seal of the Chicago public library.

The municipal device can be found near Millennium Park, on Navy Pier and in the Chicago Cultural Center. Next time you’re walking around the city, keep an eye out — you may be surprised at how often you see Chicago’s hidden symbol.

The municipal device can be found in lights on the Chicago Theatre’s marquee. Photo by Elizabeth Czapski

The city’s municipal device, a Y inside a circle, on a pillar on Millenium Park. Photo by Elizabeth Czapski

This hidden symbol, on the Franklin Street Bridge, is the city of Chicago’s official municipal device. Photo by Elizabeth Czapski

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| FEATURES |

Soft-Baked Dog Treats

Made from upcycled nutritious ingredients

5 Delicious Flavors

MADE WITH ALL NATURAL GRAIN FREE INGREDIENTS WITH ADDED DAILY SUPPORT

Two dogs enjoy a day of swimming at Doggy Paddle, an indoor swimming venue that’s never too cold for your furry friend to get exercise—even in the depths of winter. Photo courtesy Mike Eisenberg. Follow his photography on Instagram at @NolandandNorman

No 'paws' in winter fun for Fido: Indoor activities for your dog

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer

Doggy Paddle

Doggy Paddle, 1430 W. Willow St., has indoor pools for pups. Dogs can swim privately, or in groups based on temperament and experience. An instructor is always present while dogs are in the pool. In the new member pool, the instructor will help guide furry friends. Private swimming lessons are also available. Swimming for dogs has many physical and psychological benefits, including improved flexibility and mobility and reduced stress and anxiety, according to Doggy Paddle’s website. Doggy Paddle also has an indoor dog park, use of which is included with a swim. Vaccinations are required. Unneutered dogs can book private swims only. Prices begin at $32 for group swims. For more information, visit doggypaddle.com

K9University

K9University, 2945 W. Lake St., has an indoor open-play, climate-controlled dog park, open 9–11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. To use the park, customers pay

$15, with $8 for any additional dogs in the family. Staff are on hand at all times, but owners are encouraged to watch and learn what safe play between dogs looks like, according to K9University’s website.

The space is also available for private reservations to throw a puppy birthday party or get-together. K9University recommends checking its calendar for special events or a specific pup party. Vaccinations are required. K9U also features boarding, training and daycare. For more information, visit k9uchicago.com

See Spot shop...

Running errands with a pup can kill two birds with one stone. Certain stores and shops welcome pets in downtown Chicago. Besides pet stores such as PetSmart or Kriser’s, The Shops at North Bridge, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s at 900 N. Michigan Ave. are pet friendly. Be sure to enter in the Walton entrance for Bloomingdale’s, as the rest of the mall does not allow dogs.

Other stores that allow dogs include LUSH, Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie and the Apple Store.

Order directly from shamelesspets.com for 20% off.

Use promo code CHICAGO. Free shipping.

Also available on Amazon.com

New hotels open amid strike

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Downtown Chicago has three new hotels, that all opened on Oct. 1, in the thick of Chicago's hotel strike. In the last month, the Hotel Julian opened in New Eastside while Aloft opened a new hotel and the Red Roof Inn opened the St. Clair hotel in the Streeterville area.

These properties offer hundreds of new rooms for city visitors, along with luxury and easy access to all the downtown amenities.

The Hotel Julian, 168 N. Michigan Ave., the corner of Michigan and Randolph, features 218 rooms, including milennium kings and double rooms.

“St. Julian is the patron saint of hospitality, so that is where the name comes from,” said George Jordan, Executive VP with Oxford Hotels and Resorts, the owners and operators of Hotel Julian.

The hotel’s restaurant, About Last Knife, offers an all-day menu.

“You can get an omelet in the morning or at night, or beef Wellington by the slice in the morning or at night,” Jordan said.

The hotel pays tribute to the building’s original proprietors Benjamin Marshall and Charles Fox of the eponymous Marshall and Fox architectural firm, with Marshall’s image on the restaurant’s wall.

In Streeterville, Aloft Chicago Mag Mile opened at 243 E. Ontario St. Aloft is a Marriott Hotel brand, and Tishman is the developer, owner and manager. There are 337 guest rooms and a restaurant, according to their website.

The hotel takes inspiration from the site’s former occupant, the Museum of Contemporary Art. Additionally, the Red Roof Inn opened the St. Clair Hotel on at 162 E. Ontario St., as a part of their upscale Red Collection hotels.

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| THANKSGIVING |

The Thanksgiving Parade by the numbers

By Elizabeth Czapski and Jesse Wright Staff Writers The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade has brought joy to residents for decades. The event started in 1934 as a way give people a little happiness during the Great Depression and this year’s parade promises to be as joy-filled and as fun as ever, with a few modern flourishes.

What’s new...

Viewers should tune in on time to catch a performance by the Black Ensemble Theatre. The performing arts group will offer a preview performance of their “Women of Soul” production, which runs through Jan. 13. The performance will include a special salute to Aretha Franklin as well as a celebration of some of the biggest stars of soul.

What’s returning...

Every parade features familiar balloons, floats and music. But what other Thanksgiving parade offers Wookies?

Yes, the The 501st Legion—Midwest Garrison is back again. In late October, parade officials announced the return of the largest Star Wars costuming club in the area.

The star warriors will be joined in the parade by another group of relics— knights. Returning this year will be Medieval Times’ Knights of the Realm.

Also returning is the The Southland College Prep band, a new college band that formed in 2010. The band is now considered one of the premier marching bands in the parade, boasting 100 members and 25 dancers to boot and the group is now considered one of the premier marching bands in the parade.

Speaking of bands, local favorite Kelly High School Marching Trojans will return to perform their 2018 winter festival show.

The grand marshal...

While this year’s grand marshal had not been announced as of press deadline, Chicagoans and parade fans can expect the marshal to be beloved and a part of the city’s history. Past marshals have included Ronald McDonald (2017), Chicago native and actor Matt Walsh (2016) and wrestler CM Punk (2012).

Local bands bring music for the whole family to the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Courtesy photo

For a complete list of what to expect, check out the parade website, www.chicagothanksgivingparade.com.

cubic feet of helium.

For the record, in 2014 there were 70 members of the “poo crew,” who ensure State Street would not smell like manure after the parade was over.

The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Nov. 22, 8–11 a.m. on State Street from Congress to Randolph. Don’t want to leave the house? Anyone can watch the parade live on WGN America and WGN9.

Behind the scenes...

Of course, there is more to the parade than the floats and smiles. Amanda Caswell, who handles public relations for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, provided some facts that were collected in 2014.

More recent numbers were not available.

Here's a by-the-numbers look at the parade: In 2014, 400,000 people attended the parade — that’s almost equivalent to the entire population of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

That year, 2,500 gift bags were handed out.

There are 5,280 feet in the parade route, which is exactly one mile.

It’s a global phenomenon with 19 states, 16 countries and 23 different cultural groups were represented in the 2014 parade, making it a true international affair.

Thanks to television coverage, the parade is annually available to approximately 80 million homes and viewed by millions around the world. In addition, many visitors come from around the world, from places like

If you go...

The parade, started in the midst of the Great Depression to bring happiness to city residents, still delights to this day. Courtesy photo

Switzerland, Mexico, Australia, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Canada and beyond.

According to media reports of last year’s parade, there were around 5,000 parade participants, 1,300 volunteers, 15 floats of all kinds and 18 marching bands, according to numbers from Thrillist, the Chicago Tribune, and Patch.com.

Finally, about 200 people handled the parade’s balloons in the 2014 parade, and those balloons were filled with 39,500

Leave early and plan well. Streets will be blocked off for the parade route and parking will be tough, so give yourself lots of time. Public transportation will be running, though on a holiday schedule so if you take a train, check the schedule.

If you want a front row seat on State Street, good luck and set the alarm. It’s best to arrive by 7 a.m. to claim a spot, though there are usually spaces near State and Van Buren not too far from the Harold Washington Library.

Expect train noise around that area.

The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade provided statistics from the 2014 event. Updated stats will be available after this year’s parade.

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| THANKSGIVING |

It's easy to give back for folks downtown

By Elizabeth Czapski Staff Writer The holiday season often inspires a desire to do good and give back. Lucky for folks who live downtown, it’s easy to find charities that need help. Of course, if time is limited, these organizations would love a Thanksgiving or Christmas donation, just in time for the holiday season and in time to get a tax break next year.

Pumpkins aren’t just food. Consider using decorative pumpkins on your Thanksgiving spread to add some earthy, natural beauty to the table. Courtesy photo

New takes on the table

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron St., offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Whether you want to knit hats for newborns, deliver mail or interact with patients, there’s something for everyone to do. Volunteers receive free flu shots, invitations to hospital events and discounts at participating retailers.

Volunteers must make a six month commitment of four hours per week, be 18 years of age and complete a background check. Visit nm.org/ patients-and-visitors/volunteer or call (312) 926-2070 for more information.

Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s

Ronald McDonald House helps families with children who have medical needs by making sure family members can stay somewhere close when their child is in the hospital.

Volunteer opportunities are numerous and varied. Visit rmhccni.org for more information. For information about volunteering with Lurie Children’s hospital, visit luriechildrens.org.

Skyline Village Chicago

Skyline Village is a membership organization for older adults. By volunteering, you can make a positive difference in an older person’s life. Volunteers can choose from a variety of jobs, including visiting members at home or in the hospital, accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, doing the grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions and providing technological help. Call (312) 957-6060 or visit skylinevillagechicago.org for more information.

Recently, volunteers with the In Her Shoes organization volunteered to spend a morning playing games with residents in the Grasmere Place residential home. Photo courtesy of In Her Shoes

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago

When you volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you will become a mentor and a friend to an at-risk child between the ages of 7 and 14. These relationships help children become better students and improve their relationships with their peers. Find out more at bbbschgo.org

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Thanksgiving does not have to consist of the same canned cranberry sauce, cornucopia and bread stuffing. This year, throw out the rulebook and use these tips to augment your favorite holiday classics.

Fun with pumpkins

Fourth Presbyterian Church

Fourth Presbyterian Church uses volunteers for its own church groups and activities, but also partners with other Chicago-based organizations such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Chicago Lights Urban Farm. In addition, the church organizes a group called Helping Hands, which helps with painting, cleaning, construction and gardening. Call (312) 9813382 or visit fourthchurch.org for more information.

In Her Shoes Foundation

In Her Shoes is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to empowering women and girls.

Opportunities include mentoring, administrative roles, photography and videography.

Find out more at inhershoesfoundation. org/volunteer

giving favorites. A chile rub on the turkey can give your bird a Southwestern kick. Pumpkin egg rolls or turkey dumplings make great finger foods. For the simple route, add a dish from a favorite international cuisine: carbonara, stuffed grape leaves, rice pilaf and spring rolls all fit in with Thanksgiving mainstays.

Butternut squash soup is a healthy, light addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Courtesy photo

Lighter dishes

Staying on the lighter side of Thanksgiving can be satisfying.

Try adding cauliflower to stuffing in lieu of bread or rice. For vegan guests, swap out animal byproducts for lentils or chickpeas in stuffing. Sweet potatoes are a good substitute in mashed, baked, or fried forms. Butternut squash soup is a light and classically-inspired alternative.

Cultural additions

Add a cultural twist to Thanks-

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween. Spray paint pumpkins gold, white or silver for a unique addition to a table or decoration.

Painting the menu on a pumpkin is a bold way to announce what will be on the table. Mini pumpkins can be used as seat markers or to denote what cheeses are on a cheese plate. Add flowers and glitter or string lights to pumpkins for an extra dimension.

Say goodbye to turkey

For the main course, consider going with a Midwestern classic such as honey baked ham. Have stuffing with a meat like lamb or beef. A pescatarian Thanksgiving could feature lobster or salmon with a cranberry sauce. Or get rid of the meat altogether. A mushroom and chestnut “beef ” Wellington can substitute turkey for a vegan main dish.

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All alone on Turkey Day with so much to do If you find yourself going solo this Thanksgiving, here's a winning plan for a grateful day.

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer For many, Thanksgiving is a day for families to come together and give thanks over food. These days, that's not necessarily true for everyone. For the solo celebrant, the public holiday can be a chance to indulge in a special treat, or fill one's spirit by volunteering.

If you are alone, Thanksgiving could be a great opportunity to spend time catching up on reading, binging TV shows, going for a nature walk or doing whatever else you might want to do by yourself. But, for those who want company, you don’t have to spend the holiday alone. These days, plenty of restaurants, bars, movie theaters and retail stores take advantage of the holiday and open their doors, so you will really only be as alone as you want to be.

First, if you have friends you

Christkindlmarket entertainment in 2016. Audiences can expect traditional German gifts and music at the market. Photo by True Shot Studios

know will be free, pick up the phone and call them. Don’t be afraid to set up a day for you and all your friends who couldn’t—or didn’t want to— leave the city to see their families.

Or don’t. Feel free to pamper yourself with a solo self care day; it is, after all, a holiday.

If you’re the athletic sort, join the flock and do the Turkey Trot, Chicago’s annual five or eight kilometer race. To avoid late fees, register as soon as possible www. turkeytrotchicago.com.

If standing still is more your

style, don’t miss the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. The parade winds its way along State Street from Congress to Randolph. If you plan to see it live, get there before 7 a.m. to find a good spot and expect to stay through 11 a.m. if you want to catch the whole thing.

Once the parade ends, you will have several options for turkey day fun.

If you’re a sports fan (well, a football fan to be precise) then you have one goal—catch the game. There’s no need to sit at home and watch television, as

plenty of bars will be available for the Bears versus Lions game at 11:30 a.m. In the afternoon, stick around for the Cowboys versus Redskins, and if you want to make a whole day of it, don’t miss the Falcons versus Saints, kickoff scheduled for 7:20 p.m.

Not a sports fan? Entertain yourself by dining out. Plenty of restaurants will be open the day of Thanksgiving, so if you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, don’t sweat it. For a full listing of what is available, check out the website www.opentable.com.

By the time the afternoon rolls around, you might be feeling ready to relax. Good news! Hollywood typically releases some of its most anticipated offerings in late November, and this year is no exception.

Opening the week of Thanksgiving, get ready for Creed II, Ralph Breaks the Internet or Robin Hood, an action movie based on the famous legend of English folklore. Want something a little subtler than a big blockbuster? How about The Front Runner, Jason Reitman’s

chronicle of Gary Hart’s doomed presidential campaign, or Peter Farrelly’s The Green Book, the highly anticipated period drama set in the Jim Crow-era South.

Finally, if Thanksgiving kicks off your Christmas spirit, check out The Christmas Chronicles, the first Christmas film of the season, opening Thanksgiving Day. And of course,there is always retail therapy. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone else, there are plenty of opportunities Thanksgiving Day. Want something traditional?

Check out the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, open Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Grab a glass of Glühwein and browse handmade wonders from around the world. Want something a little more name-brand? Wander down the Mag Mile and enjoy early Black Friday sales on your favorite merchandise.

If service is more your speed, there are homeless shelters and food pantries all over the city that need volunteers. Go online, find a nearby venue and spend your turkey day doing good.

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Market trends indicate buying a good bet in Chicago

By Urban Real Estate Chicago has historically remained a steady market for home buying and selling as residents have often made Chicago, compared to other markets where second home investing was more prevalent (and often the first to feel the impact of a distressed marketplace).

That said, interest rates remain low with lower rates, comes housing affordability. If the Federal Reserve announces interest hikes before the end of the year, it is likely that that, too, will impact mortgage rates, increasing the cost of a home and decreasing the buying power a consumer might have today.

Matt Farrell, managing partner with Urban Real Estate, has these recommendations for contemplating what to do in today’s market: First, there are great opportunities to buy in the Chicago market. If buyers are on the fence, lower rates today can be locked in through Urban’s recommended lender for a fixed limited time with a pre-approval, giving you the buying power to negotiate strategically on your next

For would-be buyers in the Chicago real estate market, current predictions indicate the market is trending upward and even a winter buy could be a smart bet. Photo courtesy of Urban Real Estate

purchase. Buyers are not obligated to make any purchase, but at least have the "financial house" in order, with a low interest rate locked in.

Next, sellers are motivated, especially with good offers.

A solid offer is better than no offer to a seller and often sellers have a variety of reasons why they may be looking to move. While buyers may have not planned to purchase in the winter, there may be a chance to secure a great primary or investment property and appreciate the residual benefit of a more aggressive decision.

Finally, if interest rates drop in the future, buyers can always refinance. The reality is, that is a better situation to be in rather than to miss a great opportunity, or to not find what one is looking for later. Moreover, as housing prices continue to increase in Chicago, buyers may later fight the battle of both a higher priced home, and higher interest rates.

Contact one of the trusted advisors at Urban Real Estate to help consider buying or selling in this market, and help get on track for a pre-approval with Urban’s preferred lenders who have a loan program right for you at (312) 528-9200 or visit us at UrbanRealEstate.com.

Chicago-based Transit Tees launches urban adventure card game LOOP Staff reports Chicago-based Transit Tees, an official manufacturer of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) products announces the debut of LOOP: The Elevated Card Game, an adventure game based on the elevated commuter train.

The game is designed to capture the commuter experience on Chicago's train system in an engaging way for two to seven players, any age from 9 and up. The object of the game is for the player to discard all the cards in hand while navigating the L train system.

Along the way players—as riders— must negotiate buskers, train preachers, manspreading commuters, rush hour crowds and other everyday train hassles like forgotten fare cards, falling asleep on the train, sitting in a weird puddle or going to the wrong airport.

“Chicago transit riders are true urban warriors,” said Transit Tees owner and founder, Tim Gillengerten.

“They encounter and deal with many obstacles in their daily commute and,

in our opinion, have an ‘elevated’ ability to navigate our train system. We would joke around the studio about all the hilarious, and not so hilarious, things that happened to us on the ‘L’ and came up with the brilliant idea to merge art, design and all that’s irreverent about living in and getting around a big city in creating LOOP: The Elevated Card Game.”

Just in time for the holidays, LOOP: The Elevated Card Game will be available Nov. 15 online and at both Transit Tees locations in Wicker Park, 1371 N. Milwaukee Ave. or in Andersonville at 5226 N. Clark St. The game will sell for $20.

A free public launch event will be held Nov. 15 from 6-9 p.m. in conjunction with the sixth Anniversary of Transit Tees’ Wicker Park location. Guests will be the first to play the new LOOP card game, preview other holiday gift ideas and enjoy light bites and refreshments from Antique Taco and Revolution Brewery. No RSVP is required.

Conceived and designed at the Transit Tees design studio in Wicker Park,

LOOP: The Elevated Card Game is the first game created by the locally owned and operated company that designs and produces more than 100 original local and transit-themed apparel, housewares and accessory products each year. In fact, the LOOP game and ‘L’ Stop Cards are based on the design of Transit Tees’ popular Transit Magnets, which now include all 185 unique ‘L’ stops in the transit system represented in square magnet form.

"The transit system's signage, maps, and colors are the epitome of contemporary artwork and remind us of game play action." said artist Tom LaPlante, who spearheaded this project at Transit Tees' in-house design studio. "The graphic look of the LOOP game is inspired by the look, shape, colors, and icons of the Chicago's 'L' system."

Transit geeks will especially appreciate LOOP’s technical authenticity: all the Transfers are accurate, and all stops include the precise coordinates on Chicago’s grid.

For more information, visit www. transittees.com or call (773) 227-1810.

The LOOP card game puts players in the passenger seat of Chicago’s elevated trains. The game debuts this month and retails for $20. Photo courtesy of Transit Tees

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com

Nov. 1- 4

SOFA 25 Expo The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair is dedicated to three-dimensional art and design. Buy and browse the artwork presented by nearly 80 dealers, attend lectures and view special exhibits. Continues through Nov. 4, Thursday 5–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday noon–6 p.m., $25 (general admission), Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., (312) 470-1255, sofaexpo.com

Nov. 3

Buttercream Ball at The James Icing Smiles, a nonprofit that provides custom cakes to families with children battling critical illnesses, is holding its fourth Buttercream Ball at The James hotel. The ticket includes food, drinks, dancing and dessert. There will be a silent auction as well as a live cake competition. 7–11 p.m., $100 (general admission), The James Hotel, 55 E. Ontario St., (443) 420-7096, icingsmiles.org Chicago Crime History Bus Tour Led by Chicago historian Richard Lindberg, this bus tour meets at the Chicago History Museum and explores crime scenes north and northwest of the downtown area. Stops include Little Hell and a haunted hospital.

1–5 p.m., non-members $55, members $45, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org

Nov. 5

First Books: Glory Edim’s Well-Read Black Girl First Books features new authors who read from their debut books. At this event, Glory Edim will discuss her book, Well-Read Black Girl, a collection of essays by black women. Edim is the founder of a Brooklyn-based book club that celebrates black literature. See the website below for similar events. 6:30–8:30 p.m., $12 with admission, American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org

Nov. 5 and 6

Tori Kelly at Fourth Presbyterian Fresh off of the release of her latest

album, Hiding Place, Tori Kelly will perform at Fourth Presbyterian for two R&B- and gospel-infused nights. Also Nov. 6, 8 p.m., tickets from $35, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., (312) 981-3595, torikellymusic.com

Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27

Themed Trivia at Pinstripes Are you a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, Friends, or Harry Potter?

Bring a group of friends and demonstrate your trivia knowledge with like-minded folks at one of these themed trivia nights.

Also Nov. 13, 20 and 27, times vary, Pinstripes Chicago, 435 E. Illinois St., (312) 527-3010, register for free at pinstripes.com

Nov. 9

Jurassic Quest at Navy Pier Described as “America’s largest and most-realistic dinosaur event,” Jurassic Quest presents true-to-life size dinosaurs that move around and interact with guests.

Attendees can ride on the backs of dinosaurs, dig up fossils and play on inflatables.

This event offers fun for dinosaur lovers of all ages. Friday 3–8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., tickets from $20, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 936-5883332, jurassicquest.com/events/chicago-il The 17th Annual PAWS Chicago Fur Ball at The Drake Find out if your dog looks good in a top hat at PAWS Chicago’s Fur Ball. PAWS is the city’s largest no-kill animal shelter.

Your ticket helps fundraise so that the shelter can continue to save homeless animals across the city. 6 p.m., tickets from $400, dog tickets sold separately, The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, (773) 843-4884, pawschicago.org

Nov. 10

War and The Human Heart: An Armistice Day commemoration The Rembrandt Chamber Musicians will commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI Armistice Day with War and The Human Heart, a multimedia production that honors the experience of every veteran. Combining chamber orchestra,

chorus, film and live narration, War and The Human Heart is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear rarely performed works by Beethoven, Strauss, Holst, Schumann, and others. Guest artists include conductor Craig Jessop, former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; narrator Carl Grapentine, former WFMT host; and Valparaiso University Chorale and Bach Choir. Co-sponsored by the Valparaisa University Music Department. The presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m., $38 general, $10 students, St. James Commons (adjacent to Cathedral), 65 E. Huron St., (872) 395-1754, waranthehumanheart.org

Nov. 13

Quattro Mani: From Chicago For Chicago On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, Eataly’s La Pizza & La Pasta offers a dinner series featuring Chicago people and products. On Nov. 13, dining editor Penny Pollack will be there, and on Nov. 27, Matt Roan, chair of Chicago Children’s Choir’s Ambassador Board will demonstrate his pizza recipe. A portion of all sales benefit various Chicago charities. Also Nov. 27, 6–9 p.m., free admission with cost of food, Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., (312) 521-8700, eataly.com

Nov. 16

105th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to light a Christmas tree?

Miguel Cervantes, who plays Alexander Hamilton in the Chicago cast of “Hamilton,” will emcee. 6 p.m., free, Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St, (312) 742-1168, cityofchicago.org

Nov. 16-17

The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Kick off the holiday season with holiday-themed activities and live music on Friday and Saturday before the tree-lighting parade Saturday evening. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will lead the parade as they illuminate one million lights along Michigan Avenue. Fireworks will follow. Friday 4 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m., free,

Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 409-5560, for a full schedule of events visit themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival/

Nov. 16-18

Millennium Park Art Market Shop jewelry, paintings, sculptures, prints, clothing and more by over 150 student artists. Supported by the Millennium Park Foundation, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago and After School Matters. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., free, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-1168, cityofchicago.org

Nov. 16–Dec. 24

Christkindlmarket Chicago Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, Christkindlmarket Chicago has been a tradition in the city since 1996. International and local vendors come together to sell traditional crafts, Christmas decorations and yummy treats.

Sip some glühwein and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Daley Plaza until Dec. 24, Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., free, 50 W. Washington St., Daley Plaza, (312) 494-2175, christkindlmarket.com

Nov. 16-25

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Chicago Theatre The musical version of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale will run at The Chicago Theatre just in time for winter. Times vary, tickets from $60, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., (212) 465-6000, msg.com/calendar

Nov. 16-March 10

Ice skating in Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park The ice rinks at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park will open for the skating season. Take your ice skates for a spin this winter for free in either park. Skate rental is available for an extra cost. Hours vary, free, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-1168, cityofchicago.org

Nov. 17 - Dec. 30

A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com is a classic that’s sure to be fun for the whole family and perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Times and ticket prices vary, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org

Nov. 22

Thanksgiving Parade Make your Turkey Day extra special by watching the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade as it makes its way down State Street. A variety of floats and participating groups will take part in this annual event.

The parade will be broadcast live on WGN America and WGN9. 8–11 a.m., free, at State Street from Congress to Randolph, chicagothanksgivingparade.com

Nov. 23

Caroling at Cloud Gate Sing along with local Chicago choral groups as they perform holiday classics. 6-7

p.m., free, Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-1168, cityofchicago.org Also Nov 30, Dec 7, 12, 14.

2019. 5-9 p.m., $15 youth ticket, $50 for adults, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, (312) 595-7437, navypier.org

Nov. 23-Jan. 6

Ongoing

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo flips the switch on its magnificent ZooLights displays at 4:25 p.m. on Nov. 23, and the lights will be on almost every evening until Jan. 6. Various festive events will accompany the lights throughout the holiday season. Check the website for exact dates, 4:30-9:00 p.m., free, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., (312) 7422000, for a full schedule see lpzoo.org

Nov. 29-Jan. 7

Cheer at the Pier: Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest Premiere The Winter WonderFest is Chicago’s “biggest and best indoor winter playground,” featuring an open bar for adults, appetizers, rides and activities. Through Jan. 7,

Glow Flow Yoga at W Chicago Beat the mid-week slump with glowin-the-dark yoga at the lakeshore W. Hotel. The event promises “blacklights, glow sticks, and heavy beats.”

Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m., $5 (free for hotel guests), W Chicago Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 9439200, marriott.com/hotels/travel/ chiwh-w-chicago-lakeshore/ Damian Williams at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House Damian Williams, a local musician, plays live at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in the evenings as the week winds down. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m.–1 a.m., Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, 1024 N. Rush St., (312) 640-0999, hugosfrogbar.com

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Acéléré Circolombia Popular in the U.K. and originally from Bogotá, Columbia, a sister city of Chicago, Circolombia brings its exciting show to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater for two weeks as part of Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. Circus stunts, live music and dance combine to create an edge-of-your-seat experience.

Times and dates vary, $30–45, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com Chicago Humanities Festival Authors, artists, scientists, historians and more come together for a full schedule of diverse programming for the Chicago Humanities Festival. Learn about how ancient Greece influenced artificial intelligence, or experience the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre through virtual reality.

One highlight is Tom Hanks, who will talk about his new book. Times, prices and locations vary. Through Nov. 11,

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com (312) 605-8444, for a full schedule visit chicagohumanities.org The Bellhop Bar The Loews Chicago Hotel is home to The Bellhop Bar until mid-January next year. Inspired by travelers of the past and “the golden age of the cocktail era,” guests can choose from pre-batched drinks and domestic wines. 5–7 p.m., cocktails from $8, Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 N. Park Drive, (312) 840-6600, loewshotels.com Cocktails at Loews Chicago Hotel’s Bellhop Bar For a limited time, Loews Chicago Hotel is offering hand-crafted cocktails and fine wines at its Bellhop Bar. These locally-made cocktails are served nightly from a retrofitted luggage trunk, honoring a long tradition of travelers packing their belongings in wardrobe trunks for extended journeys. The Co-HOP Honey Old Fashioned ($15) puts a modern twist on a time-honored classic by adding a touch of honey to Angel’s Envy bourbon, Angostura and orange bitters. Continues until mid-January, daily, 5–7 p.m., Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 N. Park Dr., (312) 840-6600, loewshotels.com

Kids list Nov. 1-5, 7

Artist Workshop: Thankful Cards Give your little ones a chance to reflect on what they’re thankful for with this Thanksgiving card-making activity.

Suitable for ages 1 and up. Times vary, admission $14.95 (free for children under 1), Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Nov. 1, 5-7

Turkey Games Celebrate November’s favorite bird with silly turkey games. Suitable for

ages 2 and up. Times vary, $14.95 (free for children under 1 are free), Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Nov. 1-9

International Children’s Film Festival This film festival is celebrating its 35th year with nearly 250 films from 40 countries in eight venues around the city. This year’s theme is BUILD, inspiring kids to create a new world by building bridges with empathy and problem-solving. Through Nov. 9, $6 (for kids), $10 (for adults), (773) 281-9075, for a complete film schedule visit festival.facets.org

Nov. 3

Macy’s Tree Lighting Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with Macy’s tree lighting in the historic Walnut Room. Angelica Hale, an 11-year-old singer and America’s Got Talent star, will be there to assist with the festivities. The tree lighting also marks the opening of Santaland—the jolly elf will be there to take photos and listen to your Christmas wishes. Noon, free, The Walnut Room in Macy’s, 111 N. State St. (7th floor), (312) 781-1000, macys.com

Nov. 17-18

Chicago Toy and Game Fair The 16th annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair features toys and games from around the world, and attendees will get to try them out for themselves. Guests will also be able to get a photo with Santa or their favorite Star Wars character, watch a magic show, and more. For adults, there will be a beer garden with party games. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $7 for children, $14 for adults, Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave., (847) 677-8277, chitag.com/fair

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Streeterville Doorperson of the Month:

For Mark Cornelius, his job is a family tradition

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer For Mark Cornelius, doorperson at 850 DeWitt Place, the service industry is in his blood.

“My dad was a doorman for 30 years at 260 Chestnut [St.],” Cornelius said.

Cornelius is being modest about his father’s legacy. In 1987 the Chicago Tribune, wanting to know more about the profession, profiled Cornelius’ father, Lawrence.

Lawrence was quoted in the paper calling the job “a love affair” and extolled the virtues of the profession.

“Some of the nicest people I’ve ever encountered in my life reside in this building,” Lawrence told the Tribune.

The younger Cornelius has been a doorman for 20 years now. He’s been at 850 DeWitt Place for the last three years, and, like his father, he said he’s fascinated by the residents.

“I like meeting the different people from all walks of life,” Cornelius said. “It was very interesting to me…when I first became a doorman.”

Cornelius said a key to success with residents is proximity. Be friendly, he said, but don’t go too far.

“I get to get close to some people,” he said, “but I keep it professional and I don’t get too close to people and be in their business.”

For Cornelius, being a doorperson is more than working with families.

Working in the downtown area, Cornelius said he knows regular professional folks, but he’s also seen his share of

Mark Cornelius poses with Ellie, a young resident at 850 DeWitt Place. Courtesy photo

famous faces.

“I’ve met a lot of celebrities doing this,” he said. “It’s been a great ride for me, to say the least.”

Cornelius said it’s a great job for anyone who considers themselves a people person.

The key is leaving personal problems at home, he said, and being a friendly face at the beginning and end of the day for residents.

“I would say just be happy,” he said. “Just have fun doing it. If you can’t have fun doing it, it’s going to be a bore.”

Of course, not everyone he meets is friendly, but sometimes even a warm smile from a doorperson is enough to melt the ice of someone who is having a bad day, and that’s just part of the job.

“Sometimes you get some

people that are hard to deal with,” Cornelius said. “But you just have to take the bitter with the sweet.”

Cornelius called himself a “homebody.” To unwind, he said he likes to hang out at home with his girlfriend and watch movies.

The Equalizer franchise is his favorite.

“I liked The Equalizer, one and two. I guess that was about my favorite movie,” he said. “[More recently] I saw Hotel Artemis; that was OK.” To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with the doorperson’s name and why you think they should be the Doorperson of the Month.

Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

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| NEWS BREAK |

Jumble

The October answer is: Q: WHAT ROOM REEMEG RIAD DOES A GHOST ROTFYS TUDBIR NOT NEED? A: A LIVING KOSKI ROOM What is a key that opens no doors? Hint: Some would call it foul.

A riddle for the season: Why did the cranberries turn red?

They saw the turkey dressing

Submit jokes and quotes to info@ neweastsidecommunity.com

Where am I?

If you're the first to figure out where this structure is in Streeterville, you'll get a Streeterville News shout out. Email us at info@ neweastsidecommunity. com.

Good luck!

The winner of the October “Where am I” is…

Congratulations to Leo Skazhenik who correctly identified the photo of a window on Tribune Tower at 345 Michigan Ave., a historic and important feature of downtown Chicago.

Feeling safe after getting robbed

By Taylor Hartz Staff Writer One Sunday, in early October, with neighbors on the street and the sun shining overhead, I walked to my car to Taylor Hartz head to work. I felt untouchable, so close to home.

I unlocked my car, got inside, put the keys in the ignition and placed my bag on the passenger seat. When I turned back toward the steering wheel, I saw him—a teenager with a hood pulled tight over his face, opening my door.

I grabbed the door handle and pulled against him, but my bravery vanished when he stuck a TASER inside my car, shocked me and threatened to shoot me. I handed my things over knowing no iPhone or designer bag was worth my life.

The robbery lasted less than a minute. But it was a minute filled with panic and terror.

After it was over, I immediately worried how I would replace everything—how do I call police with no phone? How do I let my loved ones know what happened? I began to despair, dreading the week or two it would take to rebuild my life.

But then I got out of my car and something else happened altogether.

A nearby family stepped up. The mother and daughter called 911, while the father took off, trying to catch the robber. Another

neighbor went to get my roommate and call my boyfriend.

As police worked, neighbors checked their security cameras and handed their footage over.

Someone else brought over a case of water for us.

This was the beginning of a week that would show me how loved and supported I am.

The next day, a friend called off of work to come with me to get a new cell phone—making several trips to the Sprint store with different forms of ID. She even took me to lunch, and loaned me the money for my new phone because, well, I didn’t have a debit card or an ID. The next day, another friend brought me dinner and she insisted on giving me money and said she hoped someone would do the same for her.

Just 24 hours after being afraid, I felt hopeful and safe.

The next day, a friend whom I hadn’t seen in years, took me to lunch and, for the next two days, she went with me to the DMV and to the passport office, fronting the bill for everything.

A friend’s parents sent me a check and a friend from graduate school sent me a care package while a friend from college sent me one of her original paintings.

I was overwhelmed by the generosity of it all.

Being new to Chicago, it’s easy to feel I might not yet have a safety net here. But being robbed proved Chicago is home, that I’ve built a family here and I’ll never be alone in a time of need.

Oh, and lock your car doors.

A guide to football fandom for complete dummies

By Tom Conroy Staff Writer The weather is cooling off and the leaves are starting to change, which means it’s time to stay inside all day Sunday and watch football. This can be daunting for someone who may only be a casual fan or has never Tom Conroy watched the game. If the latter sounds like you, and you find yourself at a bar or a Sunday watch party, here is how to get by like a pro: 1. Following multiple games is necessary Your friends might all be Bears fans, but don’t be alarmed if someone insists on switching over to the Steelers-Bengals game. It probably means that someone at your gathering has

Ben Roethlisberger or A.J. Green in their fantasy game. If you find yourself lost, just pick a team. Latch onto the Bears’ bandwagon and cheer whenever you see the navy-blue-and-orange pop up on the screen.

2. Everyone hates Roger Goodell, and you do, too Your friends will probably bring up the NFL commissioner at least once and it will be negative. Whether it has to do with the national anthem, concussion protocols, new penalty rules or his $200 million contract, Goodell will always draw the ire of fans, regardless of their viewpoints. Do not waste time forming your own opinions about the man; just hiss whenever you hear his name.

3. Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are necessary evils Bears fans are sick of losing to Rodgers and the Packers.

The entire NFL is sick of watching Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl. However, refrain from wishing season-ending

injuries on either quarterback.

I was at the Bears-Packers season opener at Lambeau Field, where I witnessed Bears fans cheering at the sight of Rodgers leaving the field with a potential knee injury, only to exclaim in agony when he returned later in the game to pull off the victory. Guess what? It was one of the most exciting and compelling games I’ve ever watched. Rodgers and Brady may win all the time, but football is more compelling when they are on the screen.

4. Sundays are now your new cheat day Diets are hard when pizza, wings, beer and every other game day indulgence surround you. If you know you’ll be gorging yourself on Sunday, plan ahead. Get in your exercise and healthy eating during the week. Pack some fruit if it is a potluck gathering. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid a Monday hangover.

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